"And you hadn't had any quarrel, or anything?"
"Oh, no, Father; nothing of the sort. She went to practise right after luncheon, and said she'd be out in an hour."
"I heard her practising, while Mrs. Corey was here," said Mrs. Maynard, reminiscently; "but I don't remember just when she stopped."
"Well," said Mr. Maynard, "it's extraordinary, but I can't think anything's wrong with the child. You know she always has been mischievous, and I think she's playing some game on us. We may as well go to dinner."
But nobody could eat dinner. The sight of Midget's empty chair began to seem tragic, and King choked and left the table.
Mrs. Maynard burst into tears, and rose also. Her husband followed her.
"Don't worry, Helen," he urged; "she's sure to be safe and sound somewhere."
"Oh, I don't know, Ed! Such a thing as this never happened before! Oh, find her, Ed, do find her!"
King had run over to the Bryants' and now returned, accompanied by those two very much alarmed people.
"We must do something!" exclaimed Cousin Jack. "Of course something has happened to the child! She isn't one to cut up any such game on purpose. Have you looked in her room?"